JNU faculty urge president to remove vice-chancellor over governance concerns

Faculty at Jawaharlal Nehru University have urged President Droupadi Murmu to take action against Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, citing serious governance concerns at the institution.

The appeal was made through an open letter from the Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers' Association (JNUTA) dated Sept 1.

The letter accuses the vice-chancellor of consolidating authority in her office and undermining statutory bodies, which the teachers say has created a system where promotions, appointments, and even faculty housing are distributed selectively.

JNUTA described this as a "carrot and stick" approach aimed at discouraging dissent within the faculty.

A central grievance raised in the letter is the termination of Dr. Rohan V.H. Choudhari, a faculty member in the Centre for Political Studies.

JNUTA called his dismissal unlawful, alleging it was based on "a flimsy pretext turned into a disciplinary ground long after the event" and intended to serve as a warning to other staff members.

The teachers said the process violated statutory rules and principles of natural justice.

The association noted that it had previously tried to resolve issues internally but said the termination of Dr Choudhari marked a "tipping point."

"Things have already gone too far, and therefore there is no way that she can redeem herself in the eyes of the faculty," the letter stated, urging the President to use her powers under the JNU Act to intervene.

JNUTA also requested a personal meeting with the President to further explain the situation and discuss possible remedies.